The desperate race for a better life turned into a tragedy at the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine in South Africa. At least 100 miners have died from hunger and dehydration, while another 500 are believed to still be trapped 2.5 kilometers underground. The story is being told by Sabelo Mnguni, spokesperson for the group United in Action, who denounces the inhumane handling of the crisis.
Illegal mining, widespread in the country due to the closure of no longer profitable deposits, has led the so-called “zama zamas,” irregular miners, often former employees with no alternatives, to dig in abandoned pits. In November, however, a police operation sealed the site located about an hour from Cape Town, removing the access ropes and cutting off food and water supplies.
The result has been catastrophic. Videos recorded by a mobile phone sent to the surface show bodies wrapped in plastic and emaciated men pleading for help.
So far, only 26 people have been rescued, and of the 18 bodies recovered, one, examined, confirmed death by malnutrition. Mnguni confirmed that there are still several groups trapped in various tunnels.
The actions of the police have been heavily criticized. Organizations like Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), which represent communities affected by mining activities, have condemned the use of hunger as a pressure tool to force the miners to leave the sites. A December ruling required authorities to allow the delivery of food and medicine, but for many, the help and rescue came too late.
The Buffelsfontein tragedy is just the latest chapter in a larger story. South African mines closed due to lack of profit leave thousands of people without work. “Gold miners are not criminals, but victims of poverty,” explained Mnguni, rejecting the narrative that associates them with violent groups or criminal syndicates.
As the police and government work to complete the rescue operations, the families of the victims are demanding justice and answers. In the coming days, a government delegation will visit the mine to monitor progress and assess the responsibilities behind this tragedy.
This event, which exposes the deep inequalities and structural difficulties in South Africa, highlights how different approaches could have prevented these deaths.
